I'm thinking about custom wheels for my Heritage Softail. I'm concerned that putting a smaller diameter wheel in front might ultimately cause the frame to stretch and perhaps welds to crack since the front tire will be traveling further than the larger diameter back tire. Consequently, will installing a larger diameter wheel in front cause the frame to compress and perhaps even bend from the pressure caused by the front wheel not traveling nearly as far as the smaller rear tire? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

Nope. Putting larger diameter will not cause your frame to bend or crack.

 

wow!!!

 

OK, OK...it was a JOKE! I don't know whether to be hurt that a discussion about where to put the gas cap when refueling garnered FAR more responses, or encouraged by the obvious fact that you guys' BS radar is operating so effectively! Now if I can just figure out how to put my dewrag on properly I'll go about my business...

 

No but a big consideration will that you will effectively be changing the gearing on the bike. Your gas mileage will suffer. You will have to make that smaller front wheel rotate more times to cover the same distance. The equation looks like this (for your proposed tire size)
k = s(2) = –16(2)2 + 64(2) + 80 = –16(4) x LOL/oMg (b-s)= + b@1100n(s)

You will also have more revolutions of your crank to you will need to get a stronger set of bearings. You may also need to compensate for the higher oil pressure by installing wider galley ways.

It is well known fact that guys with smaller tires have smaller fenders and not sure if the wimmin folk will appreciate that.

And finally and this is a BIG ONE. Check your local laws they may not allow smaller wheels.